Cold Weather and Birthmarks
Around 10% of the population is born with a birthmark. As the temperature drops and winter sets in, it’s important
Our main office, the Vascular Birthmark Center of New York (VBC-NY) is conveniently located in midtown Manhattan near Columbus Circle, making it easy to visit from anywhere in New York, New Jersey, or Connecticut.
Dr. Gregory Levitin was recently selected as one of America’s “Top Doctors” by Castle Connolly and as one of New York’s “Best Doctors” by New York Magazine. He specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of all types of vascular birthmarks in children and adults, including hemangiomas, port wine stains, venous malformations, arterio-venous malformations, and lymphatic malformations. Dr. Levitin offers same day appointments at his New York City office only.
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With multiple categories and varieties, vascular tumors are mostly benign. Yet, they can cause discomfort, deformity or aesthetic concerns, requiring the expertise of a vascular birthmark specialist. Infantile Hemangiomas, as well as Rapidly Involuting Congenital Hemangioma (RICH), Non-Involuting Congenital Hemangioma (NICH) and Granuloma vary in growth and risk factors. With careful attention to the location and depth of the lesion, including its characteristics and propensity to bleeding, the Vascular Birthmark Center specializes in leading edge diagnostics and treatment protocols for children and adults with vascular tumors.
Read moreVascular malformations are classified according to the vessels that make up the lesion, and the color of a lesion is related to the dilation of the veins beneath the skin’s surface. Such is the case with portwine stain, a common vascular malformation in which dilatation causes the skin lesion to appear reddish in color. In turn, venous malformations are comprised of a plethora of dilated veins, and when located superficially, appear bluish in color. Other malformations develop as a mass when the lymph fluid accumulates within defective vessels. Vascular Birthmark Center offers patients excellence in treatment and removal of vascular malformations.
Read moreApparent at birth or shortly thereafter, vascular birthmarks are comprised of malformed pigment cells or blood vessels. Approximately 1 in every 10 babies has a type of vascular birthmark or anomaly, some of which include portwine stains, hemangiomas and vascular tumors. Though most vascular birthmarks are harmless and do not cause pain, a number of children and adults will require treatment, particularly if they experience changes, bleeding, cracking or infection in the area of the birthmark. Dr. Gregory Levitin is a leading birthmark specialist providing personalized treatment for a number of vascular birthmarks and malformations.
Read moreFor patients in California and the southwestern United States, Dr. Gregory Levitin, M.D. has established a satellite office for birthmark treatment in Los Angeles (VBC-LA). Located in the heart of Beverly Hills, Dr. Levitin treats patients from across the United States and internationally for all types of vascular birthmarks, including hemangiomas, port wine stains, and all types of vascular malformations. As one of leading birthmark specialists in the entire country, Dr. Levitin guides the patient and family through a detailed understanding of their diagnosis and then outlines an individualized plan of medical, laser and/or surgical treatments. Contact us for a free consultation.
Dr. Levitin’s mission is to provide the most effective treatments in a caring and supportive treatment.
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The Vascular Birthmarks Foundation (VBF) was founded over 20 years ago by Linda Rozell-Shannon, PhD, to help patients with hemangiomas and vascular birthmarks from around the world to find care from birthmark specialists. As the leading patient support group, the VBF has helped network thousands of children and adults into treatment, and in turn has supported Dr. Levitin and the VBC as a leader in the field. Today they frequently work together to ensure that patients, regardless of where they live, get an accurate diagnosis and a treatment plan that can, in most cases, be fully covered by health insurance. Click here to learn more about the VBF and its remarkable mission, to make a contribution, and to gain access to additional patient resources.
Around 10% of the population is born with a birthmark. As the temperature drops and winter sets in, it’s important
Moles are common and usually harmless skin growths that can appear at any age. However, the sudden appearance of moles
Port-wine stain birthmarks, also known as vascular birthmarks, are a type of birthmark caused by an abnormal development of blood
Based on 27 reviews
Abril M.Dr. Levitin is very knowledgeable, compassionate and professional. Five years ago, I needed to find information about a birth mark that my newborn daughter started to grow a couple days after birth. I was afraid, I did not feel like I got any clear information about it through my insurance; also, they did not offer any course of treatment for it. I started to look for information, the birthmark was growing each day, information was scarce and I just got more scared. Finally, I found a video in Youtube from a grandmother who was very grateful after finding treatment for her grand daughter through The Birthmark Foundation. It was a huge blessing to me and my family. I found Dr. Levitin, I contacted him thinking he probably would not even answer. I was wrong, he kindly answered promptly, got in touch with me and soon he had a plan : ) I went to see him at the Birthmark Center in Los Angeles. He explained everything in a way that it was so clear to understand, no question I made was insignificant and his answers were each very informative. I really never have had an experience with a doctor who explains and speaks in such a way. I left his office knowing that my daughter was in the best hands and the best care. I first thank God for the Birthmark Foundation, a great organization with the highest quality of doctors. Also, a very special thanks to Dr. Levitin for all his help and kindness, for listening to my concerns and answering each and every question. And last, but no least, to the Birthmark Foundation Center in Los Angeles : ) I hope many children can find help/care in this place as I found it for my daughter. Thank you forever.
Ryan E.I will be telling tales of the good doctors compassion till time comes to an end. Because of Dr Levitin, I have more confidence in my every day life. He was fast, knowledgeable, precise and all with a disarming sense of humor. Two thumbs up!
Carla M.I wanted to show you how much better Hailey's tongue looks and let you know her speech has already improved so much!!! Her speech teacher is thrilled!!!! Thank you so much for everything you did for her. You are an excellent surgeon with a great bedside manner- we are forever grateful to you!!! We are so appreciative!
Danielle L.we are forever grateful for Dr. Levitin. My daughter Lena had surgery to remove her hemangioma that was located on her forehead at just 6 month old. she healed beautifully and we couldn't be happier with how minimal her scar is, even almost 4.5 years later. Dr. Levitin is caring, compassionate, and such a great doctor/surgeon overall. He had our daughter's best interest and I knew she was in good hands. I highly recommend him any chance I get!
ChrisMy name is Chris and I was recently treated for an AVM on my forehead by Dr. Gregory Levitin of New York (New York Eye and Ear Infirmary). Thankfully, I live within a few hours of NYC. In brief, I would like to say that Dr. Levitin is very capable doctor with a lot of experience with AVMs. He responds quickly to e-mail, texts, and phone calls. He accepts insurance. He takes a "team approach" and will be your "QB" and involve other specialists as necessary. In my particular case they were Dr. Raj Shrivastava (Mt Sinai) and Dr. Raphael A. Ortiz (Lenox Hill) in NY. I recommend contacting Dr Levitin for a consultation if you suspect you have an AVM. All 3 Drs are just good people. When I spoke to them, they treated me like like an equal. I felt like they were advising me as a close friend or family member. Like many that suffer with AVMs I was at first mis-diagnosed. What was thought to be a just a simple cyst turned out to be an AVM. Surgery to remove the cyst made the AVM about 5x bigger. My treatment entailed a few MRIs and CAT scans to determine what was going on and the treatment plan. This was followed by consultation with the 3 Drs mentioned above and finally a 2-day procedure. On day 1 Dr Ortiz embolized the AVM. On day 2 Dr Levitin and Dr Shrivastava removed the AVM from my skull and put some metal mesh there to fill the "hole". It has been 6-months since the surgery and so far I have not had any recurrence. In honor of Vascular Birthmark Awareness Day and to thank these Drs for all they have done for me, I just want to give everyone a solid reference. Finding the right doctor for this type of stuff makes all the difference.
Valle S.I just discovered this page i have also a birthmark I always experiences bully because of this. I don't know what kind of birthmark is this if it is harmful ? I hope Dr. Levitin notice this message in this way I think he can help me :) :) #DrLevitin
Alicia M.This year marks the 10th that I contacted VBF for help. Since then I have been under the care of Dr. G Levitin and Dr. R. Ortiz, they are my guardian healing angels! Thanks VBF for not only helping me but also for letting me be a volunteer in the foundation whenever I am needed. A Big Hug to all from MIAMI... Alicia
Alexander G.Totally positive experience. Dr. Levitin is a great professional. He has diagnosed and treated my nose breathing problem, significantly improving my quality of life. Office staff is very professional. Appointments always kept on time. Strongly recommend.